Ajmal 'rediscovers old rhythm', targets World T20 return

Pakistan's discarded off-spinner Saaed Ajmal says he is hopeful of proving his form in a forthcoming domestic league as he targets a return to national colours in the World Twenty20 this March. The 38-year-old, whose accuracy and deceptive doosra helped drive his team to victory in the 2009 edition, has struggled to make an impact since coming back last February from a five-month ban for chucking.

He took just one wicket in two ODIs when he last played, against Bangladesh, in April, and a paltry 16 wickets at 55 apiece for his English county side Worcestershire.

But speaking on the sidelines of a launch event for Islamabad United, one of five teams taking part in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to be held in the UAE this month, Ajmal said he had worked on technical flaws and rediscovered his old rhythm.

"I've got a good platform and working on my goals. You are going to see the Saeed Ajmal of old," he said. "The World T20 is after this. and I want to perform well and make myself available for the team."

Ajmal, who was picked as a last minute 'supplementary player' by the capital's team, pointed to better showings in Bangladesh's T20 league last November as proof the magic had not deserted him.

Before being suspended in September 2014 for exceeding the 15-degree elbow flex limit set by the International Cricket Council, Ajmal was ranked the world's number one bowler in ODIs and was almost as impressive in Tests.

He famously captured 24 wickets in three Tests against England in 2012.

"When I made my comeback against Bangladesh I was lacking match practice," he said. "I needed some time. Now I've had some time and I've been able to work on myself. I've got my variation back and you will see the results in the PSL.